Western Outreach Center

October 14, 2012

In the past few years at G-R High School, opportunities for students to take college level courses have been offered. These classes are usually held out at the Western Outreach Center that is located near Holland. It is a small building which holds five or six classrooms that teach college courses to high school students throughout the day. Classes last around an hour, and the last class ends around 3:00 in the afternoon. Kayla Fobian, and Cody Ward are both taking college level courses at the Western Outreach Center. They are both seniors at G-R High School. "I find this to be a wonderful opportunity. It allows me to get a head start on my college education," says Kayla.

"Taking classes through the Western Outreach Center helps to prepare me for college and saves me money in the long run," added Cody. These courses cost high school students only 35.00 per class, which is much cheaper than regular college credit courses. The classes go through Hawkeye Community college, and are a part of their college transcripts. High school students get college credit through these classes that can transfer on to their future college education. High school teachers from surrounding schools teach these college courses. In order to take these classes, students are required to take the compass test, which is a college aptitude level test. They must get high enough scores and have eligible grades to take the courses. Courses are only offered to students who are juniors and seniors. Besides the courses at the Western Outreach Center, several high schools are offering college level courses for students. Classes at G-R such as Intro to Engineering are offered to all grade levels. Classes at the Western Outreach Center, and at the high schools, are held throughout the year, and are a very good opportunity for high school students.